Units with knife policies often set a specific maximum blade length and other restrictions. Others leave it up to their Scouts’ common sense and only intervene if the need arises — such as confiscating a Scout’s big sheath knife or butterfly-style knife and returning it to his parents after the trip.

Knives

A sharp pocketknife with a can opener on it is an invaluable backcountry tool. Keep it clean, sharp, and handy. Avoid large sheath knives. They are heavy and awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores except for cleaning fish. Since its inception, Boy Scouting has relied heavily on an outdoor program to achieve its objectives.

This program meets more of the purposes of Scouting than any other single feature. We believe we have a duty to instill in our members, youth and adult, the knowledge of how to use, handle, and store legally owned knives with the highest concern for safety and responsibility.

Remember—knives are not allowed on school premises, nor can they be taken aboard commercial aircraft.

The Guide to Safe Scouting doesn’t get more specific than that, but most states do. Some states restrict knife length — in Texas, for example, a knife with a blade longer than 5.5 inches is deemed “illegal.” Others forbid certain kinds of knives, such as throwing knives.

This site aggregates state knife laws, so check your state’s laws today and be in the know. (Note: Some of these state laws may be outdated, so check your state and county and city laws just to be safe.)

How to create a policy

In keeping with the youth-led spirit of Boy Scout troops, Venturing crews, and Varsity teams, you’re better off letting the Scouts set their own policy.

Involving them in the process ensures that they’ll take ownership in the policy and will more effectively follow and enforce it.

Suggest they address knife length, kinds of knives allowed, how many knives each Scout can bring, proper storage, Totin’ Chip requirements, and anything else that addresses specific needs in your unit. And don’t forget to print out your state’s knife laws and give that to your youth leaders to consult.

Pretty soon, you’ll have a policy that allows — encourages, even — the safe use of knives in Scouting.

Take the poll

What do you think?

I’d love to know whether packs, troops, teams, and crews have specific knife policies. If so, what do they include? Do you specify a maximum blade length? What about quantity — can Scouts carry multiple knives? Leave your thoughts below.

Related

We are tend to over constrain our units by imposing too many rules. Yes, knives are dangerous if misused. So is playing in a swimming pool. The whole idea of Scouting is to provide the skills young people need to be productive and self sufficient. How to use all kinds of knives (including sheath knives) are included in that tool learning.

I am so glad this topic came up. We were at Scout Camp with summer and another Troop’s ASPL whipped 4 knives out of his backpack to “brag” to some younger Scouts. He then proceeded with them standing around him to sharpen his K-Bar (Marine fixed blade knife). When I asked him for his Tot-n-Chip to cut a corner because he started playing with his knife with young boys within reach, he told me his Troop doesn’t require them and then proceeded to argue and yell at me for then asking for his knife. He went to get his Scoutmaster and I waited for him but when the boy returned he told me his Scoutmaster was “busy”.

Our policy is no fixed blade knives and not blades longer than an adults palm of their hand.

This brings up an interesting situation: How are knives handled when there are multiple units involved with possibly conflicting knife policies? What if you are not at a camp with its own knife policy?

No matter the policy, if a boy is “using a knife within arms length of another boy”, I don’t care what the policy is. The boy is putting himself and another Scout at risk. As an adult, we have to step in.

That is a situation where the answer is clear. But I’m wondering more generally, with less clear-cut situations. What if a boy has a 3.5 in knife when another involved unit has a 3 in limit? What about a unit that allows small fixed blades and another that does not? What if a unit only allows boys to carry one knife and another does not?

And what about situations where it is getting close to dangerous and the units disagree on where exactly that line is? In that case, one unit will have very strong opinions and the other will think the line has not been crossed. What then? We’ve seen here that each unit draws the line differently. So what happens when there is conflict with that line? That is the question I am more interested in.

Also, you say that you “don’t care what the policy is”. What happens when somebody has a very strong opinion against a particular unit’s knife policy, even if the policy is technically acceptable by the BSA’s standards and all relevant laws? What happens then?

I think when units disagree, that is OK. Adults and youth leaders need to come together to discuss it but in the end if one unit feels like the other has stepped over the boundaries, simple don’t spend time with the unit. Clearly my unit and the boy’s unit above that I disagreed on policy and I would have disagreed with his Scoutmaster but in the end, that Scoutmaster is responsible for his boy and his boy’s actions with a knife. That boy’s Scoutmaster has the final say about a boy carrying 4 knives, two of them fixed blade, one “spring loaded” and the other a typical knife. I can only direct my boys to stay away from a boy who is preparing to fight zombies with 4 knives.

I meant to say I don’t care what the policy is if someone is potentially going to get hurt. Say something, have someone move away, don’t just sit there.

Brian – this sort of reminds me of one of the first times I took my Team out camping. I asked them to build a fire. Each boy replied “My Mom and Dad don’t let me play with matches.” Just like a knife, matches are a tool. Some may let their boys carry them, some may not.

Our Council’s camp has its own knife policy. Fixed-blade knives are not allowed, although exceptions are made for special-purpose knives such as a fillet knife or kitchen knives when used for their intended purposes.

Please post the actual BSA National policy authorizing you to take a corner. Also post the National policy stating the Totin Chit must be in their possession to carry a knife.

But before you look to hard I’ll give you a clue: There isn’t one.

My advice: Use it as a teaching moment and not a conflict moment with an ASPL at camp even if it isn’t a boy in your troop. Also, if safety is a concern have the younger ones step back and mitigate the risk. Then when safety is taken care of you go find their SM and have an adult to adult conversation voicing your concerns for safety.

Corner taking can be hazing.

As far as the no sheath knives I wonder what teaching moments for that tool your Scouts are missing? Sheath knives have a purpose as a tool. A blanket ban shows more Adult Led than Boy Led. I encourage you to learn about them and how they are used for survival training, expeditions, trekking, fishing, hunting (if a Crew) and more. Maybe if you and the other leaders upgraded your wilderness knowledge you would see value and pass that knowledge to the next generation.

Exactly. My Troop went to Sea Base this year and was scuba diving the keys. I gave each of them a custom sheath dive knife. As a diving instructor, I wouldn’t let you dive with me without a good cutting tool.

Our Cub Scout Pack has a basic policy that no Cub Scout may bring a knife to any meeting, activity, or outing unless they have completed the requirements for their Whittling Chip card; meaning that only Bear aged boys who have completed this requirement or Webelos that have also completed this requirement either as a Bear or as part of earning their Bobcat & Webelos badge upon joining. They are only allowed pocketknives, no sheath knives, and must maintain knife safety or lose the opportunity to bring a knife to a camping trip. They must carry their Whittling Chip card in order to use the knife at camp and must surrender it to any Adult Leader that finds them using their knife unsafely or leaving it unguarded or protected from younger Scouts or siblings who may be curious. Violations of basic knife safety results in them losing a corner of their card, four violations leads to complete removal of knife privileges until the requirements to earn it are re-certified. While we have, in my almost 10 years, had to take a corner from a couple boys, we have never had to completely revoke knife privileges within our Pack. While knives are interesting to boys, we regard them as tools and teach that they are to be used within the confines of Scouting, especially, but also at home and in the “real” world as they are intended, tools and not toys. However, after reading this blog, a real policy needs to be introduced, in writing, that we should hold our youth (and adults) to, including knife types and blade length. Thanks for the information and conversation, hadn’t thought of this issue but will introduce it in our next Pack Committee Meeting.

Personal knives must be folding and have a blade of three inches or less. Fixed blade knives used for cooking must have a sheath or be stored in a case or kit and may not be carried on the person.

Reasoning:

* The Code of Virginia prohibits the carry of dirks, switchblades and ballistic knives. Machetes are unlawful when carried on a person and concealed. Knives, except for “a pocket knife having a folding metal blade of less than three inches” are prohibited in school. (A dirk is a long dagger or short sword, but I don’t know how Virginia would define one. Swords are not covered.)

* If the local schools have different policies, they aren’t publicizing them. But we recommend that Scouts do not test this.

* Camp Shenandoah here in the Stonewall Jackson Area Council prohibits sheath knives.

Our Council has a policy for all council employees that nobody is allowed to carry a knife. (Including Camp Rangers, and those Rangers are required to wear business attire at all times) So while some Cub Scouts in the council are allowed to carry knives, the adult employees at the council office are barred from doing so.

I wish I was. It’s part of a policy that the new Council Executive is rolling out this year. Even worse in my opinion, is that almost every council employee thinks it is perfectly logical because knives are dangerous weapons.

Nope. We’re a mid-level but large council and execs passing through have generally been in the BSA for a while and are working their way up to some of the star councils in the country when they leave. Actually, the Exec’s son is a Webelos, so while the son can carry a pocket knife, the father cannot.

Our Troop allows Scouts to carry a pocket knife with toten chip card. Troop policy is NO sheat knives, this is Boy Scouts not Special Forces. Also NO serraged blades. Blade cannot be longer that 3.5 inches. I tell them the “perfect” knife is the old Official Boy Scout pocket knife, the old ones made with quality steel, made in USA, not communist china! I recommend they find them online.

One problem with the idea of “…NO sheat knives, this is Boy Scouts not Special Forces.” is that I have and older Official Boy Scout sheath knife. Why would this be considered unacceptable? I have often wondered why councils (mine included) ban sheath knives, as they are safer than folding ones.

So your adults made a rule (FYI: NOT BOY-LED or a real safety concern) and what it is really saying is “We as Adults lack the knowledge, confidence, and skills in the proper use of knives that require sheaths so we NEVER plan on teaching your Scouts outdoor skills like:

1. How to fillet a fish;
2. Having the safety gear required for scuba diving if hung up by debris underwater;
3. How to substitute a sheath knife for an axe in wilderness survival training or trekking to cut down the weight;
4. How to navigate through the bush or the jungle with a parang or machete.
5. How to properly dice anything in the kitchen with a chef knife.”

I guess our Troop is just doing it wrong teaching things like fishing, diving, trekking, going on international trips, and eating well.

When I was a Den Leader, I took my boys to a local sporting goods store and we had a gentleman there (who was a Scout leader in another unit) lead the boys through their whittling chip, and I then bought knives for each boy. They were allowed to carry them on campouts (with parental permission, which was shown by Mom or Dad signing the back of the card along with the Scout).

Our Troop prohibits sheath knives, mostly because most of our council properties prohibit them. It’s a lot easier just to say “no sheath knives, ever” instead of “okay here, not OK there”. But we’re pretty strict on enforcement, too. Anyone pulls out any sort of pointed item at camp, they’re likely to hear “Safety Circle” from a lot of other boys.

We are working on a written policy with the basic concept that knives should be “outing appropriate” A small pocket knife or multi-tool at a minimum should be carried at all times unless there are restrictions where the outing is taking place. Same at most camps. We check with camps on their policies (they have them). Our town camp, fixed blade is fine. Size & type of knife is always controversial and boy you picked a good one… I was a Boy Scout & my two oldest sons went through the program a few years ago. I always owned & carried fix blade knives since I was a scout. I’m a merit badge councilor for 6 MB including Wilderness Survival. I am friends with Dave Canterbury (Co-host of Discovery’s Dual Survival) and have many other friends in the Bush-craft, Self Reliance community. I carry a full tang fixed blade knife & multi-tool. Always in the woods! The way I look at it is simple:

A knife, no matter what kind, is a tool.

With the permission of the Scout’s Parents, Scouts should be taught the proper use & safety of tools. Where else are they going to learn it? on their own?

A full tang fixed blade knife is one of the hardest things to replicate in the wilderness yet with it you can make so much to aid you in a bad situation. (I have done survival scenarios)

Just with every tool, There is responsibility. If a Scout is witnessed misusing or mishandling it, he is retrained. If his misuse continues, the responsibility is taken away for a period of time until he can demonstrate proper use & responsibility.

Never, and I mean never! go into the back country without a dependable full tang, fixed blade knife.

There is a lot of nonsense spoken about sensibly sized sheath knives by many scouters. After all, once a folding knife is opened, what is the difference between it and a sheath knife? As long as a knife is legal where it is used, I think that the intent and manner in which it is used is far more important. I would rather see a scout using a combat knife in a safe and proper manner than one abusing a small pocket knife or using it in an unsafe manner.

I’m with you–fixed blades tend to be inherently safer than folders, even when being carried in a sheath. The one difference between an open folding knife and a fixed blade is that the folding blade, even with a lock, can still fail and cause injury to the user. Folks need to get over their unfounded fears and recognize that a fixed blade knife is not evil incarnate.

I have both folding and fixed bladed knives, and as others have said, they are tools that need to be taught how to be used properly. Are there instances where a folding knife is inappropriate, absolutely. Just as there are instances where a sheath knife is inappropriate. You need the right tool for the right job. And I have used sheath knives and even a machete before in scouting.

But the key point is you need to follow the laws of your state, and the rules of the place you are going. The link to state laws is great, but some cities and towns do have stricter laws.

I know my council has a “No Sheath Knife” Policy on the council properties, but it gets violated every OA Ordeal weekend by the ceremony teams who are in regalia, and that includes period sheath knives.

Our Pack has a knife policy. Only scouts who are carrying their Whittln Chip card may carry a pocket knife at Scouting Events where the Leader who has organized the events has stated that pocket knives are allowed.

At the last campout, I confiscated one knife because the scout was not carrying his Whittn Chip card and I cut the corner off of another scout’s card because he was whittling while walking on a hike. And I did it with a Smile!

No written policy for us. Several years ago the previous SM had taught no locking blades. He couldn’t produce a reason other than “BSA policy” and I’ve just spent the last two hours searching the interent for a reason. His verbal policy is still ingrained. Personally I see the danger in the large sheath knives worn on a belt. I also see the benefit they bring to a kitchen and feel the need for a clarification for kitchen knives. I would rather see a boy with a folding lock blade sans cerated edge. That being said you can find all manner of knives for sale in Counsel stores and camp stores across the nation. Many of my boys make the arguement that if they sell it and they have a Toten Chit they should be able to have it.

It was part of the last SM’s verbal policy, and something I would like to stick with. I’m and engineer in an Industrial environment and the cuts we see more often than not are from this pocket blade type and in general are exponentially worse when compared to a flat blade pocket knife. I do feel though that there should be a distinction on Kitchen knives and their use, as opposed to folding pocket knives. A good serrated blade on say a bread knife can make all the difference in the world when slicing bread.

I ask, as a serrated blade is ideal for cutting natural fiber cordage, such as that used in pioneering projects. I personally prefer a plain edge for general purpose use, but having a serrated blade can be awfully handy at times.

i believe that Scouts need instruction in all kinds of blades they might need/encounter in day – to – day usage, including sheath knives. i, too, teach backpacking and wilderness survival and i keep one particular knife on my person at all times when hiking or backpacking. i carry a Puma White Hunter – the actual cutting edge is 6 inches, while the overall knife measures about 10 inches. it has a reinforced blade to be used for small scale wedge-work in splitting firewood, as well as a curved end for skinning, and is full-tang, fixed blade, stainless steel. as mentioned above, a knife similar to this can be a vital tool in the backcountry. i expect to teach my son the proper use of this knife when he is old enough (as my knife is a duplicate of my father’s), and i’ll expect him to respect it and carry it out in the woods. that said, it isn’t proper for in the city. Scouts need to learn that – which knife is needed where, which knife is inappropriate for which situation, and what the law says about knives in their area and any area they might go (scout camp, backpacking, etc.) they can’t learn this if they don’t get to handle and be around the various types of knives. whether it be a Leatherman, a Swiss Army, a Gerber, or a larger Buck.

We handled this issue very simply in the 1960’s. We required each boy to prove proficiency by earning the “Totin Chip” award and we told all the boys to sew it on their pockets with snaps because it was the only award that could be revoked. (And occasionally some were) The boys could earn them again. We didn’t permit fixed blade knives. The “Totin Chip” program was very popular and effective. It also covered hand ax use. We had to show proper ways to pass a knife of ax indicating that you didn’t release it until you heard “thank you” indicating the recipient had a good hold on it. We learned proper sharpening of knife and ax. We had to use an ax to make a tent peg. Only folding “pocket knives” were permitted and it was never questioned. Having and using a knife or ax at a scouting activity is a privilege not a right. The Totin Chip program was very effective. It was good at providing recognition for responsibility and discipline.

early scouting promoted sheath knives. We never had a problem. I never found punishing the mass for one persons bad judgement. if so, next year it will be forks and spoons. My parents had a watchful eye on me and my brother. I don’t see that today. need classes on better parenting.

You reminded of an incident in JROTC. My battalion was doing an FX on weekend, and we were told we could bring knives as we may need them. Now the ceremonial drill team that I was on and color guard had a prior commitment, so we showed up late to the FX. When we showed up I got some strange looks and didn’t know why until someone told me what happened prior to our arrival and it involved a knife. The battalion CO was playing with his knife and cut himself. As a result, only cadet officers and SNCOs could have knives on them.

Now I thought it was a joke because the battalion CO still had a knife on him, so I kept my sheath knife on my deuce gear. BUT, because he was a cadet officer, he got to keep his knife, despite being the reason for the knife ban.

Our camp kitchen chuck box has many knives that are fixed and longer than 5.5 inches. Most of them are kept in sheathes in the chuck box to keep them safe. In addition, if a boy wants to earn his cooking merit badge (or even Tenderfoot requirement #3), they should be able to demonstrate safe use of a cooking knife.

I note this because there isn’t much functional difference between a “personal” knife and a “kitchen” knife. If you are going to make a rule against sheath knives, then you need to examine your unit’s cooking chuck box.

As Scout Leaders, it is our job to manage risk, not eliminate it. We train boys to use knives and axes safely; that is the point of the Totin Chip and the Paul Bunyan programs (and the Whittling Chip for Cubbies).

I just got back from Summer camp, where I took off several Totin Chip corners, mostly for whittling around the campfire way too close to one’s neighbors …

Our troop does not have a policy for carrying a knife other than a verbal that they must have their tot’n chip. I like the idea that the scouts are free to choose what they think is the best knife for the job while staying within the bounds of the tot’n chip for usage.

We openly encourage the scouts to carry a knife on all scouting functions. They have come to expect me to ask them, “lemme see your knife”. If they don’t have one with them I ask why. We set high expectations for our scouts and in return they have some freedom to make their own decisions. This freedom and expectation to think, I believe, is part of the great lessons of scouting.

We see all manner of knife from the boys. After initially lugging around some minimally useful, Rambo Style Survival knife, most guys settle on a garden variety folder or swiss army style. This has worked very well. I can’t think of a single injury related to use of one knife over another.

For what it’s worth, our local schools have a zero tolerance for carrying a knife. As such, we use this as a lesson about “A Scout is Obedient”. The school’s policies on this subject are painfully small minded, yet we need to obey them.

That’s essentially our policy and practice. We believe that a sensible fixed blade is safer in many circumstances than a non-locking folder (and yes, I have field evidence as a medic to back me up on that).

In fact, on reaching Life, we give our scouts an engraved Mora Companion.

Interesting subject since it surfaced on our trip to Philmont this summer. Not being a knife aficionado, I had never heard of “spring-assisted” knives, which are akin to switchblades. And I had never seen one until our Philmont ranger used his. I believe the BSA should ban their use. The BSA sells a line of knives that are not made to threaten others. Perhaps the most disturbing thing about spring-assisted knives is that there are roadside vendors in Cimarron selling them — and Scouts buying them as cheaply as $15 each!

I am a scout, my main knife is a small bsa folder and a summit leathermans style knife, but before that I used a spring assisted knife, they are no more dangerous that the bsa whittling knives or the Swiss army knives, both of which can easily close on your hand. Now for me knife safety is important, but others see thems as weapons and toys,. My point I it depends on maturity.

Not sure that your argument holds water. Anything that has a sharp edge can be dangerous – http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1546166/posts. The key factor is safe and appropriate use. Let’s let legislatures decide on the legality of types of knives and stick to teaching scouts how to use them safely as tools.

Yes, ASM, anything with a sharp edge can be dangerous. That is where proper training and supervision comes into play. And so that I am clear on my earlier remark; “spring-assist” knives are great tools for those such as Firemen or Paramedics where one-handed operation is very handy. When I see today’s youth carrying “spring-assist” knives everywhere they go I see “weapon”. I don’t see a need for a Scout to carry a “spring-assist” knife, especially the ones now turning up that are 100% spring assisted (and illegal in some states).

Completely agree that where legislatures have determined that they are not appropriate sharp edged tools should not be carried by scouts. However, my point remains that ANY sharp edge can be dangerous and should be treated with the same care and respect. Using your example, it is not the spring assist that causes the danger, rather the scout’s ‘playing with them. Playing with ANY edged tool is a bad idea. Once we get this behavior based point across to scouts, and scouts use edged tools with the care and respect necessary for safe operation, it will become unnecessary to ban certain edge tools.

OUr policy is not in writing, but we tell the kids and parents it kust be a small knife that is collapsible and has a locking blade. When we see a kid using the knife incorrectly we make it a teaching moment for the Crew. If the misuse is a problem we take it away.

As a 2010 Jamboree Leader of a Los Angeles Area contingent troop I found the boys were carrying a wide variety of knives, some questionable. That led me to pose the question to the National Jamboree with the response I received cut and pasted below;

“It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America not to permit the carrying of sheath knives, commando knives, switchblades, or machetes. You may,
if you wish, carry a pocketknife.”

No specific policy. Just raw common sense. Scouts need a Totin’ Chit. Use the most appropriate tool for the job. Observe safety protocols.

One of my favorite knives is a fixed-blade sheath knife with a 5″ blade. I don’t carry it at Scout Camp because of camp policy, but it is an extremely useful wood tool when I am camping.

I carried a serrated lock-blade folding knife on my person for years and years. It was the right tool to have on my person when I was an EMT and a flight medic in the Army. It is not a very useful camping knife, unless you want to slash ropes and webbing.

Most Scouts just want a knife to whittle with. Let them whittle and whittle safely. A sheath knife is not a good tool for this. Encourage them to use the right tool for this job (a small SHARP non-serrated lock-blade) and all will be well.

Scouts like to sharpen their own knives. Rare is the Scout who knows how to properly sharpen a serrated blade. Let them practice this useful skill with small knives, in safety.

A sheath knife is a wonderful tool to have. You can use it in so many different ways. It is an almost essential survival tool. You don’t need a hand axe, or a saw if you have a good sheath knife. You don’t need a Crocodile Dundee style or any over the top wacko survivalist type of knife. All you need is a 5-6in blade, full tang, with a proper sheath and you are set.
I would challenge any of your scouts to a fire building contest with our troop. Our scouts would only use their sheath knives, yours can use, knife, hand axe and saw.
Our troop would win hands down. Only because the scouts know how to use them and they use them properly.

I don’t really understand the problem with policies here sure everyone has their own right to an opinion but really who should say what to limit a knife to it all depends on the given situation and the skill in which the tool is used and yes all knives are tools when used properly they are great when not used properly they can be very dangerous no matter what size or configuration personally I think that sheath knives are invaluable as a survival tool especially when backing where you don’t want to carry an ax,saw,utility knife, and multi tool ounces turn into pounds very quickly so I’ll carry a 10″ blade length sheath knife and a multi tool so honesty I think it’s all about training not size though I would recommend sheath knives with full tangs

B.S.A Boy’s Life July 2008;
“The best type of knife for camping trips — and most any other outdoor activity, for that matter — is a short, fixed-blade knife with a beefy handle.

Folding pocketknives can fold up on your hand while cutting. Not fixed blades. And remember: When it comes to blades, bigger isn’t always better. Avoid blades longer than four inches. A small, sharp blade can cut just as well as a long one, but it’s safer to handle and easier to maneuver in tight spots. With a good fixed blade you’ll be set for most anything the outdoors can throw at you — whittling, cutting, notching, butchering, filleting, even spreading peanut butter.”

I find all of this extremely frustrating. Scouting was established as a military preparedness organization in addition to being a service organization. Part of being “prepared” is having the right “safest” tool for the job at hand. Used properly, there is no safer knife than a sheath knife. The rules of scouting should follow state and federal laws and should teach proper use of all tools accordingly. We are a free country that should allow personal choice inthe use of any tool with regard to safety. I am so tired of weekend warriors who think that they should consistently have some authority over the boys. The steps of scouting are to teach independence, self reliance, confidence and motivation. They are to become increasingly independent as they advance, not less so. More rules and less freedoms only cause the dwindling of our once great fraternity. I know and still hear and remember the stories of scouts going on a camp/ hiking trip without any adult leaders, only an approval of the plan.
The idea of being prepared is to have any tool needed for any situation. Right? How many of you have truly done a high adventure or even hiked a portion of say the Appalachian trail? Do you know that a machete or a large fixed blade knife might save you life? It did mine. From a very large cottonmouth sunning itself in a bare area on The Pisgah mountain area of the trail. And when I was hiking through the jungles of Central America. There are certain vines that are poisonous to the touch. A pocket knife isn’t going to clear that off for you.
The whole thing that really angers me is the amount of sheep that continue to bleat about safety and have yet to really understand what safety really is because they live in there little sheltered city lives. You are always safer with a fixed blade sheathed knife. Simply put, there are no working mechanisms to fail, it may be that the longer blade may also double as a small axe or spearhead.
Remember that you as leaders are preparing those who will protect you and write your rules and laws in the future. The tougher it is on them now, the more so it will be for you. Think about the fears you instill. Fear is in itself, a safety mechanism. Too much fear and there is nothing they can do. Teach good survival skills that will carry them forward by proper use of tools, not dumb standards of outright bans on any particular tool.

Ian,
I have read nothing on this page that suggests anything other than self determination by the boys. there is nothing that suggests a “rule” for all boys everywhere. There are a number of good suggestions – including yours – that can help us lead the boys in our own troops and meet both individual and troop needs. That said, I hate all of the new cheap serrated edge knives that the boys get for a couple of dollars and bring with them to scout camp. Most of the boys have not had any formal training that prepares them to safely use a knife, ax or saw. Just like with firearms, the safe use of knives comes with proper training and supervised experiences. An untrained boy with a 10 inch fixed blade knife is potentially trouble in the making ….. As is an untrained boy with a cheap $2 tactical style locking blade knife. Here is a great syllabus I found for teaching knife/as/and say skills: http://www.zion412.org/Library/TotinChip/TeachingSyllabusForTotinChip.pdf. I also feel that establishing expectations for early knife use helps develop good habits and eliminates problems as the boys gain in maturity and skill.

While there are countless options out there for knives, I like to direct my boys to a Mora heavy duty knife for a fixed blade – about $20. Great value for the money. Read about Mora knives (http://www.knifeworks.com/moraclippercompanionheavyduty.aspx) . Mora makes a great knife. Ka-bar, Buck and schrade all make a good lock back folding knife for about $20. Of course you can spend 10 or 15 times that amount but for the money they are a good starting place for a boy scout. Must my thoughts.

You can have any troop policy you want, but sometimes you have to adapt when going to council-owned camps, such as types of knives allowed. At the Trading Post, we required that the Scouts show a Totin’ Chip card to purchase a knife. If your troop does not require them, it’s hard to know whether that Scout has been trained or not.

Thank you Bryan. However you need a disclaimer on the link you provided for state knife laws. This site may not (and most likely does not) have the most up to date information. For example, the state law referenced for Texas shows a date of 1993. The Texas law has been updated (as recently as September of last year). The site puts this disclaimer in their long explanation of the purpose of the site, however most people will not read that long explanation prior to clicking their state name. Also, many local (county and city) laws exist as well, so it is important to stress that more research needs to be done before just using the state laws.

All my boys complete the requirements for a Toten Chip every year. This gives the older boys a chance to teach the younger boys a few easy lessons. Each boy is entitled to choose a knife as a reward for earning First Class. The troop does not favor fixed blade knives at scout camp but does allow them on back country and backpacking trips. Knife size is restricted to any knife the boy has shown proper safety and proficiency with. However, “Rambo” knives and swords and machetes are outlawed by the patrol leaders council.

In our Cub Pack requires a boy to have his whittling chip to carry a pocketknife. I want them to have it because it doesn’t hurt us to take it away right now. They need to have it in boy scouts but in cub scouts it’s not a big deal to us if it gets taken away. To the boys it matters though. And they will work hard at being responsible with it just so that they can carry it. A perfect example of how scouting uses the youth’s desire to grow up to help him learn to be a good citizen.

Our boy scout troop uses the totin’ chit with the corner removal for violations. The troop meets at a church building so we don’t have outside restrictions. We can even use candles and handle (but not load) guns.

I think the knife is part of the adventure to the boys. If they don’t have the adventure then scouting isn’t delivering on it’s promise. Our job is to deliver on the promise with a reasonable level of safety.

A lot of things are dangerous. But safety should be a matter of training, not banning. I like the BSA guidelines of training for responsible use of fire, firearms, bows & arrows, swimming, gas stoves, knives, axes, etc. instead of banning these “dangerous” activities. Our troop just last night adopted a Code of Conduct that includes a knife policy. It includes a maximum length of 6″ for sheath knives, 3″ for lock blade and pocket knives. I don’t go along with a maximum blade length, but I can live with this. When I was a scout myself all of us in our troop carried sheath knives. I found that blade length took care of itself in that the longer knives were more awkward to use than a shorter knife, so most of us carried nothing longer than a 6″ blade for practical reasons. I grew up with knives in an era when they were allowed in schools. Heck, we used to trade pocket knives with our teachers. I still carry at least one at all times, sometimes two if I have both a pocket knife and a belt multi-tool. Let’s train, not ban or restrict.

Our troop had said that since the manual generally states “pocket knife” rather than just “knife,” it must be a pocket knife – able to be safely carried in the pocket (whether the boy actually carries it there or not). We use the totin’ chip and generally it’s earned along with the rank of Scout or Tenderfoot and awarded at a court of honor along with merit badges (we also give our cyber chip patch like this). Then the patrol leaders police at campouts and do a great job of it.
Patrol boxes have larger, fixed- blade knives (and other tools like those for chopping wood) for cooking and stuff. I’ve yet to run into a situation where this didn’t work out well. If I do, the policy will change

I sale knives to young children and I recommend a whittling pocket knives to the parents for the parents that don’t know chit about knives. Reason I do. Is because the stuff we teach and learn and earn is all based on whittling.

Bear scout is all about how to handle a knife and knife safety and earn a Whittling Chip and they practice whittling on a bar of soap.
Scout rank we should be teaching them about knots. But I recommend that you you start early with a whittling “pocket” knife cutting rope, knife safety, and how to whittle.

You will have to earn your Totin’ chip
To earn these merit badges, rank and certification.

I believe that you should carry the Totin’ Chip to have a knife with you because your card is your life line to your knife. As a Boy Scout make a promise to be Trustworthy, Loyal, and Obedience.

1. Read and understand woods tools use and safety tools from the
BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK.
2. Demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocket knife,
ax, and saw.
3. Use knife, ax, and saw as tools, not playthings. Use them only when
you are willing to give them your full attention.
4. Respect all safety rules to protect others.
5. Respect property. Cut living or dead trees only with permission and
good reason.
6. I will subscribe to the Outdoor Code.

Also Whittling Chip.

In return for the privilege of carrying a “pocketknife” to designated Cub Scout functions, I agree to the following:
1.I will treat my pocketknife with the respect due a useful tool.
2.I will always close my pocketknife and put it away when not in use.
3.I will not use my pocketknife when it might injure someone near me.
4.I promise never to throw my pocketknife for any reason.
5.I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at all times.
One more thing I believe a knife should fit the the palm of the hand the reason is for controlled craving and full grip around the handle of the knife. I have seen younger kids with a knife to big and they could not do chit with the knife.

Needs to be opened with two hands. Your scouts going through puberty meaning you don’t want a knife that can be flicked “spring assisted” open because of anger or rage “testosterone” some stuff escalates fast and with a blade reacts as they do it not the best idea.

Big blades (5”-8”) are good for processing mostly wood. You don’t really need a blade that big for most camps. It’s basically carrying a machete around for no reason. Cooking blades are a different tool and the same rules apply. Just that it needs to stay on a cutting board.

One of the most important aspects of Scouting is helping boys to develop good, independent judgment. Sometimes having policies that are too detailed or explicit get in the way of that.

We’ve used the Totin’ Chip as the basis of our policy for decades without any serious problems:

1) No use of a bladed tool (knife/ax/saw) without direct, adult supervision until you’ve earned the Totin’ Chip.

2) Once you’ve earned the Totin’ Chip, you can use a bladed tool without direct, adult supervision, but if you don’t abide by the responsibilities outlined on the Totin’ Chip, your Chip will be revoked, and you’ll have to go through the Totin’ Chip process again before using a bladed tool.

3) Before going on any trips, we make sure that the boys are aware of the destination’s specific policies and that they are expected to respect them.

Boiled down, it’s really pretty simple:

– follow the common sense Totin’ Chip responsibilities
– respect the rules of the hosting organization/facility when on a trip (which reinforces the Scout Law, i.e. A Scout is Courteous, etc.)
– respect local laws

Our pack is in the process of writing a knife policy, currently it is just stated verbally to scouts and parents around the time popcorn sales start. In our unit no scout can pick a knife as a prize until they have gone thru whittling chip. I am the Scoutreach coordinator here in Spokane and we are not allowed to teach knife safety in the public schools, so we deleveloped an event were the boys can still get the knife safety training they need.

Scouting has always been a unit oriented organization, with wide lattitude for leaders to create the atmosphere of learning in the outdoors, leadership and personal development.
I cringe when I read adults demanding a “clear and outright ban” on this or that activity.
You, as leaders, have the responsibility to teach responsibility, in knife use, outdoor ethics, character development and all those other things.
How about this troop policy…”use the proper knife for the task at hand, in a responsible manner”.

I was shocked when I received my Tote ‘N’ Chip card in 1968. I thought it was called ToteManShip and a Sheath knife was not a Sheet Knife. I went knife crazy. I ordered every knife advertised in Boys Life. I started collecting military surplus knives. The record shops that sold drug paraphernalia also sold illegal knives. My 18-year old neighbor offered by buy a switchblade knife for my collection. Its a good thing my troop had a knife policy.

Our council policy is no fixed blade knives except for cooking/filet knives. As a teacher of both the Whittlin’ and Totin’ chip, I do my best to teach knife safety and responsibility. As a prof. knife sharpener, I try to teach the boys the need for and the proper techniques to keep their knives and tools sharp. I primarily carry a Victorinox Swiss Army knife and a Coast Multi-tool in a belt sheath.

Our Troop uses the Totin’ Chip program to teach safe use and handling of the folding knife, ax/hatchet and saw. When the unit was first formed we discussed this with the scouts and it was a joint decision that we didn’t need sheath knives for our activities but would consider waving this if the occasion required. As SM I have asked any adults on troop activities to respect the policy so we don’t carry any knife the scout doesn’t carry. A folding knife closed can be as wide as the scout’s palm. This is to ensure a scout isn’t using a knife larger than he can safely handle. Each scout can have one knife and an additional blade if part of a multi-tool. I carry more than one knife because a couple of the scouts are not permitted to carry knives by their parents. I loan them one of mine for an activity and it’s returned after the activity. We don’t cut corners off cards but have a review of that section of knife safety that was in question to ensure safety in the future.

Our Troop has a long standing policy on knifes. Each boy must have a toten chip card to be in possession or use a knife (we make it easy to get the card, just have to demonstrate the skills like it says in the requirements book). We do use the corner cutting method, although a gross safety infraction can get all four corners cut at once. If an adult leader finds a knife with an exposed blade laying around unattended, the owner will have to trade a corner of his card to get the knife back. Corner cutting is always done privately so as not to constitute hazing.

Sheath knives are allowed when they are appropriate for the outing (some camps do not allow them). Pocket knives must meet State and Federal regulations (no switchblades, daggers, dirks, double edged knives, shurikens, throwing stars, etc.)

If a boy from another unit uses a knife in an unsafe manner, it will give our leaders an opportunity to meet and confer with his leaders about the incident. Once the responsible adult has been made aware of the situation, it is their responsibility to follow through in an appropriate manner.

our unit makes sure all scouts are very well trained with all cutting tools, our policy is the 2 knife carry, a standard scout type pocket knife, with lanyard attached to belt loop and kept in pocket and a small fixed blade carried on belt and over right or left hip depending on left or right handed, Worn over the hip as described in our older field books show it is much less likely to be injured if you trip and take a tumble. Fixed blade lehgths are strictly limited to 4″ maximum from the hilt to the point. as we do much in the pioneering and bushcraft skill training, the fixed blad does come in handier than the folder. Both have their uses and our boys are taught all aspects of when , where and which one to use.

Fixed blades has many advantages and a few disadvantages to folders. Fixed blades are cleaner and safer. They have no hidden parts that cannot be washed and made sterile. they also have no locking mechanism which could fail or cause the knife to fold back in on your during heavy chores such as notching wood or fire preparation

Unfortunately, much like the lawmakers, it seems many of you have a prejudice against fixed blades and what they should ultimately be used for.

A smaller 3″ fixed blade can be a wonderful camp tool. And totally something a Boy Scout can be taught to use and handle.

Our pack’s policy is that you may have a POCKET knife. Meaning it must safely be able to be carried in a pocket and that any boy who is doing something unsafe with his knife will have it taken away and given to a parent then the parent decides what the consequences are from there. We once had a Webelos leader in a hurry leave his knife open on a table at a pack meeting where many young siblings were present, so we gave the knife to his wife to prove the point that the rules apply to everybody. He thought it was a funny and good reminder.

As a Scout of the 60s and a long time Scouter it amazes me that we’re worried about THINGS as opposed to training our youth to use tools properly.

The Tot’n Chip card has been used successfully for decades to separate the scouts that have shown proficiency AND a good attitude about edged tools from those that might harm themselves or others by ignoring safety rules or engaging in horseplay.

Practically, if scouts can’t handle a knife or ax in the organized atmosphere of scouting activities they most certainly can’t be expected to do so away from supervision.

Learning to use properly, care for, and carry safely the various tools used in scouting activities is an essential core competency for scouting advancement.

The Guide suggests that heavy sheath knives are unnecessary for most camping tasks.

That SHOULD be good enough guidance for any Pack, Troop, Crew, or Post.

If a scout shows up with a ridiculously large knife, I’d suggest asking them what task the tool will be used for that can’t be accomplished with a smaller knife or one from the patrol kitchen… then suggesting that the extra weight could be used for other items in their pack…

Carrying a extra two pounds of bayonet and metal sheath can be a lesson of it’s own on a ten mile hike…

Browse by Month

Now on Scoutingmagazine.org

Scouting magazine

Follow Scouting magazine

About

Bryan on Scouting is the official blog of Scouting magazine, a Boy Scouts of America publication. Scouting magazine is published five times a year and is received by 1 million registered adult volunteers.